RUN-IN Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

run in 1 of 2

verb

Definition of run in

as in to visit

to make a brief visit I just thought I'd run in and pick up my package

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to arrest

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law if we catch you shoplifting again, we're going to run you in

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

run-in

2 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌin

as in encounter

a brief clash between enemies or rivals the rival gangs had a bit of a run-in last night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of run in

Verb

Walker’s 21-yard run in the second quarter was the third-longest of the day for him, trailing that 76-yard scamper that got the Chiefs on their way to victory. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026 The Wednesday evening concert marked night 19 of Styles’s 30-day run in New York City, and his fans—known primarily as the Harries or the Stylers—came dressed in their arena-tour finest, all inspired by the pop star. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Noun

While Francisco is the CEO of the family company, Rafael is mostly a follower and has already had several run-ins with the law. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 His first serious run-in with the law came in 2012, when he was reportedly caught receiving a large shipment of marijuana. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for run in

Recent Examples of Synonyms for run in

Verb

When the cast visited Japan in March 2025, Mystery Channel hosted a special event attended by 270 lucky fans chosen from applicants nationwide, giving them the opportunity to meet and interact with the cast.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Shohei Ohtani emerged from the visiting dugout at American Family Field with a bat in his hand, and the mass of media members scattered in foul territory up the third-base line shifted his way, pulled by the magnetic force that is Ohtani’s stardom.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of visit

Verb

Now, in yet another blow to national self-esteem, the ex-head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, has been arrested on charges of exploiting state secrets.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Roseville police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the fatal stabbing of a homeless woman downtown earlier this week, authorities said.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

The continent’s political leaders must seize the moment to act, and not let this moment of Europtimism slide.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The latest conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis began last month after the rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for oil shipments.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

When Andrew Dismukes’ character repeatedly pressures his dad to try the titular dish, Gillis steps in to put an end to the interrogation.

— Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
However, the Georgia program remains an important step in establishing how the technology will work within real railway operations.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of step in

Verb

Ditto for the reinterpretation of thong sandals that grabbed attention at Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier, or the clear vinyl-like styles seen at Balenciaga, Chloé, Simone Rocha, Stella McCartney and Moschino, among others.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Mel Ismail, a 56-year-old father, was rescued by another surfer who just happened to show up at the beach and was willing to risk his own life by grabbing his board and heading towards the bloody water.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

Cannon comes by his relationships advice after becoming a father of 12 with six different women, and having his relationships in the media eye.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Much of the turbulence comes by way of the offensive pilot, quarterback Drake Maye.

— Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of come by

Browse Nearby Words

rung up

run in

run-in

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Run in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/run%20in. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of run in

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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